Republican Nancy Mace's political future is uncertain as the Supreme Court reviews a case about racial gerrymandering in her South Carolina district.
In a significant development, the Supreme Court has taken up a case concerning alleged racial gerrymandering in South Carolina. Critics argue that the state's Republican-drawn electoral map discriminates against black voters and if they win, Mace's seat is gone, according to reporting from the Washington Examiner.
The redistricting plan, which is now under scrutiny, didn't happen overnight. The Republican-led legislature approved this map back in 2022. This decision didn't sit well with many, leading the NAACP to file a lawsuit against state Republicans.
Federal judges, earlier this year, directed South Carolina lawmakers to rework the congressional map. They deemed the coastal 1st District as racially biased, undermining the influence of black voters. This was seen as a violation of the Constitution's 14th and 15th amendments.
The judicial panel, consisting of three federal judges, made a startling revelation. They found that lawmakers intentionally relocated 30,000 black residents from Charleston County. This move was to decrease its black population to a specific "target" of 17%.
South Carolina Republicans didn't take this lying down. They challenged this decision in the Supreme Court. Their argument? This is a matter of partisan politics, not race.
Historically, the Supreme Court has maintained that partisan gerrymandering isn't for the courts to review. However, drawing district lines solely based on race is unconstitutional.
The NAACP's attorneys have been clear in their stance. They stated, "Using race as the predominant means to sort voters is unconstitutional even if done for partisan goals."
On the other hand, GOP lawmakers presented their case in a brief. They argued that the current map is "substantially similar" to a previously approved constitutional one. Their point? "There is no reason to disturb that ruling now."
Rep. Jim Clyburn, a Democrat from South Carolina, submitted a separate brief. He urged the Supreme Court to stand by the lower court's decision. He highlighted that the map represents a "stark racial gerrymander." Furthermore, he believes the district's boundaries were crafted with "racially discriminatory intent."
The outcome of this case holds significant political implications. If the court rules against the current map, it might provide Democrats an opportunity to clinch a congressional seat.
In 2020, Nancy Mace made history. She became the first Republican woman from South Carolina to be elected to the House. She managed to turn the district from blue to red, narrowly defeating the former Democratic Rep. Joe Cunningham.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on this case, titled Alexander v. South Carolina NAACP, on Wednesday morning.
- The Supreme Court is reviewing a racial gerrymandering case in South Carolina.
- This case directly affects Rep. Nancy Mace's district.
- Critics believe the Republican-drawn electoral map is discriminatory.
- The NAACP has sued state Republicans over this map.
- The outcome could shift political power in the district.
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